AFC Urged to Consider Non-Professional Players in Tournament Scheduling

FIFPro calls for the AFC to consider the lives of non-professional players when organizing major tournaments. Research showed that last year's AFC Women's Club Championship disrupted the lives of over 90% of players. The players' union emphasizes the need for better conditions and transparency in tournament organization.

FIFPro, the global players' union, has urged the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to consider the lives of non-professional players when organizing major tournaments. A report published on Thursday reveals that last year's AFC Women's Club Championship (AWCC) disrupted the lives of more than 90% of participating players.

"Players who are not full-time professionals have to balance football with other work, study, or family responsibilities," stated FIFPro. Only a small percentage of players reported that the AWCC did not affect their domestic football or other life commitments.

The report highlights the necessity for competition organizers to understand the profile of athletes and create conditions that alleviate their challenges. Eight clubs competed in the 2023 championship's round-robin matches across Thailand and Uzbekistan, with the final held in Japan.

FIFPro surveyed 88 players post-tournament, revealing that many were non-professional and faced excessive strain. Former Australian international Kathryn Gill emphasized the need for development in women's football in Asia that takes players' real-life situations into account.

Gill advocated for a partnership between the AFC, leagues, clubs, and players, rather than imposing regulations suited to men's competitions. The report also criticized the AFC's lack of transparency regarding the initial cancellation and subsequent reversal of the tournament final.

The report indicates that clubs and players incurred significant costs and were denied the chance to compete for prestige. The AFC must improve its communication and transparency for the success of these continental competitions. The inaugural AFC Women's Champions League starts on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies.)